Stabilized hypohalous acid solutions

Abstract

The present invention provides a stabilized hypohalous acid solution (or formulation thereof), which may be conveniently packaged for sale, or stored for later use on demand. The invention further provides methods of making the stabilized hypohalous acid solution, as well as methods of use for disinfecting mammalian tissue, including wounds and burns, disinfecting or cleansing surfaces, or treating and/or preserving food products and cut flowers, among other uses.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for killing or inactivating  Clostridium difficile  spores on mammalian skin, comprising applying to the skin of a subject in need thereof a solution or formulation comprising hypochlorous acid and an at least equimolar amount of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) incorporated in the form of a bicarbonate or carbonate of an alkali or alkaline earth metal,
 wherein the solution or formulation has an available free chlorine (AFC) content of from about 400 to about 1000 parts per million, and a pH of from 4.4 to 7. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the skin comprises a wound or burn. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the DIC is incorporated in the form of sodium bicarbonate. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the hypochlorous acid is prepared by electrolysis of a NaCl solution. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 4 , wherein the bicarbonate or carbonate of an alkali or alkaline earth metal is contained within the NaCl electrolyte solution. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 4 , wherein the bicarbonate or carbonate of an alkali or alkaline earth metal is added after electrolysis. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the solution or formulation has from about 0.01 to about 1.0% salinity. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the solution or formulation is formulated as a gel, cream, or foam. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the solution or formulation is packaged in a container. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the contact time is from 4 to 30 minutes.